The Renters’ Rights Act has officially become law – and it’s changing how landlords operate across England.
Whether you let a single property or manage a portfolio, understanding how this impacts your legal rights and responsibilities is crucial. For those letting property in Chesterfield, the new legislation marks the biggest shift in tenancy law in decades.
From changes to tenancy agreements to the end of Section 21 in Chesterfield, this guide breaks down everything landlords need to know – with expert landlord advice Chesterfield property owners can trust.
What is the Renters’ Rights Act?
The Renters’ Rights Act is part of a wider drive to create a fairer private rental sector. It follows years of consultations, proposals and draft versions under the earlier name — the Renters Reform Bill.
Now passed into law, the Act introduces several key changes for landlords and tenants, including:
- The abolition of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
- A shift to periodic tenancies
- A new landlord ombudsman
- The creation of a property portal
- Stronger grounds for possession under Section 8
- New rules around pets, rent increases and tenancy notice periods
For Chesterfield landlords, this means adapting quickly to ensure you remain compliant and protected.
Why is the law changing?
The government’s aim is to create a rental market that’s more secure for tenants while still allowing landlords to manage their properties effectively.
They want to reduce the number of evictions without cause, improve housing standards, and simplify the legal process for regaining possession when there’s a legitimate reason.
But while the law strengthens tenant rights, it also provides clearer procedures for landlords, especially when dealing with rent arrears, anti-social behaviour, or selling a property.
That’s why understanding the Renters Rights Act Chesterfield is essential.
What are the main changes landlords need to know?
1. The end of Section 21 in Chesterfield
Perhaps the most talked-about change is the end of Section 21. Landlords will no longer be able to end a tenancy without providing a valid legal reason.
Instead, landlords must use Section 8 – with one or more of the official grounds for possession, such as:
- Serious rent arrears
- Anti-social behaviour
- Selling the property
- Landlord or close family moving in
- Serious breach of contract
While this removes some flexibility, the updated Section 8 grounds are stronger and clearer – helping landlords act when it’s truly necessary.
2. All tenancies become periodic
The law also ends fixed-term contracts. All new and existing tenancies will be periodic, meaning they run month-to-month unless ended by either party with appropriate notice.
For landlords, this means:
- No need to renew contracts annually
- Tenants can leave with 2 months’ notice
- You can still regain possession for valid reasons
This new system aims to give tenants flexibility while maintaining landlord rights through updated legal processes.
3. The new landlord ombudsman
Every landlord – even those with just one property – must now register with the new landlord redress scheme.
This ombudsman service allows tenants to raise complaints and resolve issues without going to court.
It’s free for tenants, mandatory for landlords, and designed to prevent disputes from escalating.
4. A national property portal
All rented properties in Chesterfield (and across England) will need to be registered in a central digital database.
This will include:
- Property addresses
- Compliance information (e.g. gas safety, EPCs)
- Landlord contact details
The aim is to raise standards and make it easier for both landlords and tenants to find accurate, up-to-date property data.
5. Changes around pets, rent increases and notices
The Renters Rights Act Chesterfield also introduces new rules around:
- Pets – Tenants can request permission, and landlords must have a valid reason to decline
- Rent increases – Now limited to once per year, with two months’ notice
- Notice periods – Shortened or extended depending on the grounds for eviction
How will this affect landlords in Chesterfield?
Chesterfield is a popular area for renters, with demand from young professionals, families, and retirees. It’s also home to many accidental landlords and smaller investors who manage their own properties.
If you own or manage rental property here, the new Act will affect how you:
- Write tenancy agreements
- Respond to tenant issues
- Regain possession of your property
- Communicate and maintain compliance
This means staying informed, reviewing your paperwork, and potentially updating your processes.
What should landlords in Chesterfield do now?
Here’s our step-by-step landlord advice Chesterfield property owners can rely on:
1. Review your tenancy agreements
Old-style contracts may no longer be valid once the Act is fully in force. Check for:
- Outdated Section 21 clauses
- Fixed terms that conflict with new periodic rules
- Terms that may now be unenforceable (e.g. pet bans)
Hunters Chesterfield can help you update your documents to ensure compliance.
2. Prepare for periodic tenancies
You’ll need to adjust how you manage tenant turnover. For example:
- Plan for more flexible end dates
- Build better relationships with tenants for long-term lets
- Keep good records for Section 8 notices
Having a well-managed property becomes more important than ever.
3. Register with the landlord ombudsman and property portal
As the system rolls out, registration will become mandatory. Set reminders and follow updates from your letting agent to avoid fines.
4. Keep better records
With new landlord legislation like this, evidence is essential.
- Record all rent payments and arrears
- Keep emails or texts about maintenance and complaints
- Log inspections, safety certificates and repairs
The better your records, the easier it is to stay compliant – or defend yourself if a complaint arises.
Will landlords still be able to evict problem tenants?
Yes – and in many ways, the new rules make it easier to evict when there’s a genuine problem.
The updated Section 8 grounds now offer:
- Faster action for repeat rent arrears
- Clearer routes for anti-social behaviour
- Shorter notice periods in extreme cases
So while the end of Section 21 in Chesterfield means more paperwork, you still have legal options when things go wrong.
Is it still worth being a landlord in Chesterfield?
Absolutely – especially with professional support.
Chesterfield remains a strong rental market due to:
- Excellent transport links
- Good schools and amenities
- Lower property prices than nearby cities
- A growing tenant population
With the right approach, landlords here can still enjoy steady income and long-term capital growth.
And while the Renters Rights Act Chesterfield means more admin, it also creates a clearer, more stable system for everyone.
How Hunters Chesterfield can help
Letting property is no longer a casual task – but that doesn’t mean it needs to be stressful.
At Hunters Chesterfield, we offer:
- Expert legal and compliance advice
- Fully managed services to take care of admin
- Regular updates on legislation changes
- Support with tenant issues, arrears and possession
- Local market knowledge to maximise rental returns
Whether you’re a hands-on landlord or want to step back entirely, we’ll help you navigate the new landscape with confidence.
Explore our landlord services in Chesterfield
Final thoughts: adapt now, protect your future
The Renters’ Rights Act Chesterfield is already reshaping how landlords operate. And while change can be daunting, it also creates opportunity.
Landlords who adapt early, build strong tenant relationships, and work with expert agents will not only stay compliant – they’ll also thrive.
So if you’re unsure where to start, let Hunters Chesterfield be your guide. We’ve helped hundreds of landlords adjust to changing laws, and we’re ready to help you too.
Get in touch to review your tenancy and compliance
